While much of the nation tuned into Georgia’s competitive races for governor and the U.S. Senate, Peach State voters also picked their newest class of state lawmakers. Among notable races Tuesday for the Georgia Legislature:
House District 54 (Atlanta): Formerly the seat of Republican House Majority Whip Edward Lindsey, Tuesday's race featured a rare third-party legislative candidate. Early results, however, leaned toward GOP challenger Beth Beskin. Both Democrat Bob Gibeling and independent Bill Bozarth trailed. Any winner needs to clear 50 percent. Otherwise, the top two finishers would be headed toward a Dec. 2 runoff.
House District 138 (southwest Georgia): Republican House Speaker David Ralston campaigned on behalf of incumbent GOP Rep. Mike Cheokas, who faced a fight from Democratic challenger Kevin Brown. It appeared to work, with Cheokas ahead in early results.
Senate District 9 (Gwinnett County): Former Lawrenceville City Councilman P.K. Martin, a Republican, led Democrat Timothy Swiney in early results. The seat leans GOP, and Martin won the primary in part by defeating former state Sen. Don Balfour, his chamber's longest-serving Republican.
Senate District 23 (Waynesboro): Two-term Republican incumbent Sen. Jesse Stone led Democrat Diane Brack Evans. The race has been highlighted by Stone's interest in a Burke County State Court judgeship, which he says he'll withdraw if re-elected.
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